CDC, NIH/NIAID and Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences Unite for Public Health Conference in Dubai - Dubai Health
Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU), which leads the Learning and Discovery missions of Dubai Health, the first integrated academic health system in Dubai, joined forces with the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), part of the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) to host the joint conference: Research and Public Health Priorities in the MENA Region: Lessons from the COVID-19 Pandemic and Future Preparedness.
Held at MBRU, the event brought together regional experts and stakeholders from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), alongside counterparts from the U.S. and other regions to exchange insights and foster collaboration in addressing pressing public health challenges.
The U.S. CDC established the MENA Regional Office in Muscat, Oman in 2020 to strengthen public health collaborations in the region and enhance global health security. In addition to the CDC personnel in Muscat, CDC will soon place a Regional Technical Advisor for Emerging Infections and Zoonotic Diseases in Abu Dhabi to support additional efforts in UAE and the region. This presence, along with the NIAID in the region, fosters scientific and public health collaborations with the U.S., and the MENA region, including sharing best practices and innovations, such as this conference.
The conference welcomed approximately 200 delegates, including academics, healthcare practitioners, and public health professionals from 16 countries, including an impressive lineup of nearly 40 speakers and chairs and 40 abstract presenters. Featuring sessions, panel discussions, and abstract presentations, conference topics ranged from reflections on the COVID-19 pandemic's impact and predictions for future outbreaks, to strategies for preparedness and response. The conference also afforded opportunities for networking and collaboration among the participants.
The conference also featured keynotes by notable figures, including Deputy Chief of Mission Eric Gaudiosi, of the U.S. Mission to the UAE; H.E. Dr. Amer Sharif, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Health, and President of MBRU; H.E. Professor Alawi Alsheikh-Ali, Deputy CEO of MBRU; from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Dr. Henry Walke, Director of the Office of Readiness and Response, Dr. Kayla Laserson, Director for the Global Health Center, Heather Burke, Regional Director, U.S. CDC Middle East/North Africa Regional Office in Muscat, Oman, ; and from NIAID, Dr. Daniel Douek, Senior Investigator and Chief of the Human Immunology Section at the Vaccine Research Center, and Dr. Mohamed H. Sayegh, Senior Scientific Advisor to the Director.
In his opening keynote address, H.E. Dr. Amer Sharif, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Health and President of MBRU, highlighted Dubai's proactive response to the COVID-19 pandemic, drawing upon his role as Chair of the Dubai COVID-19 Command and Control Center. He emphasized the significance of collaboration and working together in a coordinated approach toward advancing healthcare solutions.
He said, “We are proud to host healthcare leaders from all around the region and the U.S. for the Research and Public Health Priorities in the MENA Region conference here in Dubai. A new frontier of opportunities has been created since the COVID-19 pandemic, and now, more than ever, we stand at the cusp of a transformative era, where not only do we reflect upon lessons learned but also to chart new territories in a conducive environment that nurtures collaboration across the entire region and beyond. As Dubai’s first integrated academic health system, we believe that through uniting efforts, we advance health and shape a brighter future for all.”
In his opening remarks, DCM Gaudiosi stated, “Supported by the U.S. COVID-19 response supplemental funding and facilitated by the support of the U.A.E government and the U.S. diplomatic missions in the region, our gathering today focuses on health security, preparedness, and response—a testament to our shared priorities and our collective will to invest in healthier futures.”
Indeed, many of the participants were on the front lines during the COVID-19 pandemic – from clinicians, incident managers, and leaders in local, national, and global response. It was evident the importance of partnership, sharing of accurate information, forecasting and analytics to inform decision making, and health communications in protecting health not just in emergencies, but also in mass migration events and outbreak response. The conference concluded with energized participants with new and strengthened relationships and ideas for collaboration to predict, prepare, and be ready to respond to the next health threat.
Dubai Health today announced the launch of ‘The Child Fund’ by Al Jalila Foundation, in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice Chairman of the Dubai Health Board of Directors. The pioneering annual charitable fund amounting to AED50 million will be dedicated to providing essential medical treatment for 3,000 children every year at Al Jalila Children’s Hospital, the UAE’s first and only dedicated children’s hospital.
The announcement was made at Al Jalila Children’s Hospital in the presence of Her Excellency Dr. Raja Easa Saleh Al Gurg, Chairperson of Al Jalila Foundation Board of Directors and Dubai Health Board Member; His Excellency Dr. Amer Sharif, CEO of Dubai Health and President of the Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU), Dr. Amer Al Zarooni, Chief Executive Officer of Al Jalila Foundation, Dr. Abdulla Al Khayat, Chief Executive Officer of Al Jalila Children’s Hospital, in addition to a number of officials and major donors.
During his tour of Al Jalila Children’s Hospital, HH Sheikh Mansoor visited a group of young patients and was briefed on the hospital’s specialty services that underscore its commitment to prioritising child-friendly healthcare focused on quality and excellence.
His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoumconveyed his gratitude to all donors and contributors who play a pivotal role in upholding the highest standards of excellence within the health system in Dubai. Their collective efforts contribute significantly to providing the best forms of healthcare, particularly for children. This commitment aligns with the enduring values of giving and compassion that have consistently defined the people of the UAE and its society, His Highness said.
Sheikh Mansoor said: “The launch of 'The Child Fund' underscores our steadfast dedication to ensuring comprehensive care for children, which is a paramount focus within Dubai's health system. We consider it our fundamental responsibility to uphold the highest standards of care for them, as they symbolise the foundation of our future. Through such community initiatives, our goal is to extend support and deliver treatment to the largest number of children, with the ultimate aim of enabling them to lead normal lives.”
‘The Child Fund’ will serve as a dedicated children’s charity programme designed to raise funds for providing essential, life-saving medical support to children in need. Beyond being a beacon of hope for children and their families in the UAE, the initiative aims to cultivate a culture of giving within the community, ensuring that every child receives the care they need to thrive.
Her Excellency Dr. Raja Al Gurghighlighted Al Jalila Foundation’s role in supporting Dubai Health’s philanthropic mission. She said: “For over a decade, Al Jalila Foundation has made a significant impact through its A’awen patient treatment programme, touching the lives of thousands of patients and their families across the UAE. With this new fund, we pledge to extend the reach of our care and provide renewed hope for a brighter and more promising tomorrow for even more children. ‘The Child Fund’ reaffirms our heartfelt commitment to securing a healthy future for our children. Today, we proudly recognise the unwavering dedication and generosity of our donors and supporters who, together, united by care and compassion, are lighting the path to healing young lives.”
Dr. Abdulla Al Khayat, said:“’The Child Fund’ goes beyond just providing essential medical treatment for children in need, it is a beacon of hope for families and their loved ones facing life-threatening illnesses. Through this initiative our dedicated team of doctors and physicians can extend life-saving care to those who cannot afford access to necessary treatments.”
“We are eternally grateful for the opportunities ‘The Child Fund’ will provide to our doctors and physicians, aligning with Al Jalila Children's unwavering dedication to excellence in treating young patients. The Fund, reflecting our ‘Patient First’ promise, will enable us to extend care to children of all ages, empowering them to step into a more promising tomorrow," said Dr. Al Khayat.
'The Giving Wall'
During the launch, 'The Giving Wall' was unveiled as a tribute to the donors and contributors that have impacted children’s lives through their support to Al Jalila Foundation. They were invited to sign a pledge in support of the AED50 million annual fund dedicated to providing essential medical care for 3,000 children per year. Notable partners include the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Humanitarian & Charity Establishment; Easa Saleh Al Gurg Charity Foundation; Islamic Affairs & Charitable Activities Department; Awqaf Dubai; Albatha Holding; IFFCO; and Tarahum.
‘The Child Fund’ builds on Al Jalila Foundation’s impactful history of philanthropic achievements in supporting a number of healthcare programmes in medical education, research and patient care transforming thousands of lives. The Foundation has supported medical treatment to over 8,600 patients, including 30% children, suffering from life-threatening conditions including cancer, cardiovascular disease and other chronic illnesses, underscoring its ongoing commitment to transforming lives of those in need in the community.
Click the link ‘The Child Fund’ for more information.